U.S. patent number 6,864,911 [Application Number 09/696,779] was granted by the patent office on 2005-03-08 for linkable digital cameras for an image capture system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.. Invention is credited to Yingmei Lavin, Xuemei Zhang.
United States Patent |
6,864,911 |
Zhang , et al. |
March 8, 2005 |
Linkable digital cameras for an image capture system
Abstract
A system of linked digital cameras for an image capture system
is disclosed. A first and second digital camera can be linked to
capture a first images and a second image that are used to form a
stereo image. A first data port on the first digital camera and a
second data port on the second digital camera intercommunicate data
between each other when the cameras are linked. The data can
include the first and second image data, camera control data, and
camera synchronization data. After capturing the first and second
images, the image from one of the cameras can be transferred to the
other camera so that both the first and second images reside in the
other camera. The system allows a user who wishes to capture stereo
images the ability to do so with out having to purchase two digital
cameras. A compatible digital camera can be borrowed from another
user for the purpose of stereo image capture. After the stereo
image is captured, the user transfers both images to his camera and
returns the borrowed camera. The cameras can be equipped with
viewfinders that allow a user of the cameras to view the image
being captured in stereo. The viewfinders can be adjustable to
accommodate variations in user interpupillary distance. A digital
camera operating system (OS) can be customized to enable stereo
image capture, image data handling, image processing, and camera
control for the linked digital cameras.
Inventors: |
Zhang; Xuemei (Mountain View,
CA), Lavin; Yingmei (Newark, CA) |
Assignee: |
Hewlett-Packard Development
Company, L.P. (Houston, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
31716200 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/696,779 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/42;
348/211.1; 348/46; 348/E13.014; 348/E5.025; 348/E5.047 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
5/232945 (20180801); H04N 13/239 (20180501); G03B
35/08 (20130101); H04N 5/23206 (20130101); H04N
1/00347 (20130101); H04N 5/2251 (20130101); H04N
2201/0056 (20130101); H04N 2201/0049 (20130101); H04N
2101/00 (20130101); H04N 2201/0084 (20130101); H04N
2201/0041 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/225 (20060101); H04N 5/232 (20060101); H04N
015/00 (); H04N 005/232 () |
Field of
Search: |
;348/42,46-48,51,52,211.1,211.11,207.99,207.1 ;382/154 ;345/419
;396/324 ;352/57 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
62086997 |
|
Oct 1985 |
|
JP |
|
06030445 |
|
Jul 1992 |
|
JP |
|
11094527 |
|
Sep 1997 |
|
JP |
|
11355807 |
|
Jun 1998 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
Stereo Photography by Fritz G. Waack Total No. of pages:
48..
|
Primary Examiner: Christensen; Andrew
Assistant Examiner: Ye; Lin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Denny, III; Trueman H.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stereo image capture system, comprising: a first digital
camera adapted for hand-held use by a user as a stand-alone digital
camera and operative to capture a first digital image and including
a first optical axis and a first data port; a second digital camera
adapted for hand-held use by a user as a stand-alone digital camera
and operative to capture a second digital image and including a
second optical axis and a second data port, the first and second
data ports are adapted to intercommunicate data including the first
and second digital images between the cameras, the first and second
digital cameras are adapted to be connected with each other so that
the first and second optical axes are coplanar and parallel to each
other and are separated by a predetermined distance, and wherein
when the cameras are connected with each other, the cameras form
the stereo image capture system operative to capture a stereo image
by capturing the first and second digital images.
2. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the data is
intercommunicated between the first and second data ports when the
first digital camera is connected with the second digital
camera.
3. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further
comprising a data port connector for connecting the cameras with
each other and for connecting the first data port with the second
data port.
4. The stereo image capture system of claim 3, wherein the data
port connector has a fixed length and the predetermined distance is
varied by selecting the fixed length of the data port
connector.
5. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further
comprising a data port connector for connecting the cameras with
each other and for connecting the first data port with the second
data port and including an adjustable length and the predetermined
distance is varied by adjusting the length of the data port
connector.
6. The stereo image capture system of claim 5, wherein the
predetermined distance can be varied in a range from about 18.0
millimeters to about 80.0 millimeters.
7. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined distance is in a range from about 18.0 millimeters to
about 80.0 millimeters.
8. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein when the
first and second digital cameras are connected with each other the
first and second data ports are in electrical intercommunication
with each other.
9. The stereo image capture system of claim 8, wherein the data is
electrically intercommunicated using a communication protocol.
10. The stereo image capture system of claim 9, wherein the
communication protocol is selected from the group consisting of a
JETSEND protocol, an IEEE 1394 protocol, a FIREWIRE protocol, an
USB protocol, a RS-232 protocol, and a RS422 protocol.
11. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the first
and second data ports are in wireless intercommunication with each
other when the first and second digital cameras are connected with
each other.
12. The stereo image capture system of claim 11, wherein the
wireless intercommunication is a selected one of optical
intercommunication and radio intercommunication.
13. The stereo image capture system of claim 12, wherein the
optical intercommunication is effectuated using a selected one of
an IRDA communication protocol and a JETSEND communication
protocol, and the radio intercommunication is effectuated using a
BLUETOOTH communication protocol.
14. The stereo image capture system of claim 12, wherein either one
or both of the first and second data ports is adapted to receive
extrinsic data transmitted from a source external to either one of
the first and second digital cameras.
15. The stereo image capture system of claim 14, wherein the
extrinsic data comprises illumination data.
16. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further
comprising: a first view finder mounted on the first digital
camera; and a second view finder mounted on the second digital
camera, the first and second view finders are spaced apart by an
interpupillary separation when the cameras are connected with each
other, and wherein the first and second view finders are adapted to
form a visual stereo image that is representative of the stereo
image captured by the first and second digital cameras.
17. The stereo image capture system of claim 16, wherein the first
and second view finders are a component selected from the group
consisting of an optical view finder, a through-the-lens optical
view finder, and a micro-display view finder.
18. The stereo image capture system of claim 16, wherein the first
and second view finders are movably mounted to the first and second
digital cameras respectively so that the interpupillary separation
between the first and second view finders can be adjusted to match
a user specific variation in eye spacing.
19. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein one of the
first and second digital cameras is selectable to be a master
camera and the other one of the first and second digital cameras is
a slave camera, and after the first and second digital images have
been captured, the digital image captured by the slave camera is
intercommunicated to the master camera so that the stereo image
resides in the master camera.
20. The stereo image capture system of claim 19, wherein one or
more identical functions on the slave camera including the
capturing of the second image is controlled by the master
camera.
21. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the second
digital camera is flipped from a normal position to a linked
position so that the second digital camera can be connected to the
first digital camera and so that the second data port is in
communication with the first data port when the cameras are
connected to each other.
22. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the first
data port is replicated at least once on the first digital camera
and the second data port is replicated at least once on the second
digital camera so that the first and second digital cameras can be
connected with each other without having to flip either one of the
cameras in order to effectuate communication between the first and
second data ports.
23. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further
comprising: a first display positioned on the first digital camera
and operative to display information including the first digital
image; and a second display positioned on the second digital camera
and operative to display information including the second digital
image, wherein the predetermined distance defines an interpupillay
separation between the first and second displays such that a user
of the stereo image capture system can view the stereo image.
24. The stereo image capture system of claim 23, wherein the
predetermined distance can be varied in a range from about 18.0
millimeters to about 80.0 millimeters so that the interpupillay
separation can be adjusted to match a user specific variation in ey
e spacing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to linkable digital cameras
that form an image capture system. More specifically, the present
invention relates to linkable digital cameras that together form a
stereo image capture system.
BACKGROUND ART
Stereo film cameras have been around for a long time. Typically, a
stereo film camera includes two side-by-side lenses that are
adapted to focus images onto two adjacent imaging areas on a
negative film strip. Designs for stereo film cameras include a
dedicated stereo film camera in which both lenses are mounted to a
common chassis (i.e. two film cameras in one chassis). The
dedicated stereo film camera can also include a stereo view finder
so that a user of the camera can stereoscopically view an image to
be captured by the camera. Another type of stereo film camera
includes two individual film cameras (dual cameras) that are either
physically connected to each other or are fixedly positioned
relative to each other on a platform. With either arrangement, the
goal is to have the lenses of the dual camera spaced apart and the
optical axes of the lens aligned so that a stereo image of correct
disparity is produced. Additionally, the dual cameras can include
view finders that are positioned so that a stereo image to be
captured can be viewed stereoscopically by a user of the dual
cameras.
The aforementioned dedicated stereo film camera can also be
mimicked by a dedicated stereo digital camera. However, such a
design would require two image sensors arrays, which would increase
both the cost and the power consumption of the stereo digital
camera. Moreover, the extra sensor array will be wasted if a user
of the stereo digital camera does not need to capture a stereo
image. Another disadvantage of the stereo digital camera is that
the extra lens, the extra image sensor array, the extra
electronics, and the extra stereo viewfinder add to the weight and
size of the camera. Consequently, the user of the stereo digital
camera must contend with the cameras added weight and bulk even
though the user may only desire to occasionally capture stereo
images.
On the other hand, the dual cameras mentioned above can also be
mimicked by using two individual digital cameras (dual digital
cameras). One disadvantage to using dual digital cameras is that a
user desiring to capture stereo images may have to buy two digital
cameras. The cost of purchasing two digital cameras can be
prohibitive to many users. Furthermore, for a user who desires to
occasionally capture stereo images, the purchase of two digital
cameras is not practical. Other disadvantages to dual digital
cameras include: extra hardware may be needed to position the
lenses of the camera so that a stereo image can be captured; dual
digital cameras that are not designed for stereo image capture may
not allow for the view finders of the cameras to be positioned for
stereoscopically viewing the image to be captured; critical camera
functions such as synchronizing of the shutters and other functions
such as lens focus, zoom, exposure control, image file management,
and flash synchronization may not be possible or easily
accomplished with dual digital cameras; the hardware for
positioning the dual digital cameras may be bulky and time
consuming to setup; and images captured by the dual digital cameras
must be individually downloaded from each camera.
Therefore, there is a need for an image capture system that is
adapted to capture stereo images without the cost, size, and weight
of the dedicated stereo digital camera and that eliminates the
cost, inconvenience, image file management, and operational
difficulties of dual digital cameras.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above mentioned needs are met by the image capture system of
the present invention. The problems and disadvantages of the
dedicated stereo digital camera and of the dual digital cameras are
solved by an image capture system that allows two compatible
digital cameras to be snapped onto each other (linked) to take
stereo pictures.
Advantages of the image capture system of the present invention
include the ability to independently capture non-stereo images
using a single digital camera; however, for a user who wishes to
take stereo pictures, the user can either purchase two compatible
digital cameras and snap them together, or more preferably, the
user can borrow a compatible digital camera from a friend, a nearby
tourist, or rent one provided by a venue such as a camera store, a
park, or a tourist attraction. The image information from the
borrowed digital camera can be transferred to the users digital
camera via a data link between the cameras. Consequently, the extra
image sensor array of the borrowed digital camera is not wasted
when the user does not need to take a stereo picture. On the other
hand, for a user who does not want to take stereo pictures, a
single digital camera is all that user needs and is all that user
has to purchase.
Broadly, the present invention is embodied in an image capture
system that includes first and second digital cameras that can be
snapped together (linked). When the cameras are linked, data ports
on each camera are in communication with each other. Additionally,
when the cameras are linked, optical axes of both cameras are
spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are positioned
substantially coplanar and substantially parallel to each other so
that a stereo image of correct disparity can be captured by
capturing a first image with the first digital camera and capturing
a second image with the second digital camera. The image from the
second digital camera can be transferred to the first digital
camera or vise-versa via the data ports. Additionally, camera
functions on the first and second digital cameras including
synchronization of the shutters, focus, flash, and zoom, to name a
few, can be controlled by either one of the cameras.
In one embodiment of the present invention, when the cameras are
linked, the data ports are in electrical communication with each
other. In another embodiment, the data ports are in wireless
communication with each other when the cameras are linked.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and
second digital cameras include first and second view finders
respectively. When the cameras are linked, the view finders are
spaced apart by an interpupillary separation so that the view
finders provide a visual stereo image that is representative of the
stereo image captured by the first and second digital cameras.
Optionally, the viewfinders can be movably mounted on their
respective digital cameras so that the interpupillary separation
can be adjusted to accommodate user specific variations in eye
spacing.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of
example the principles of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is front plan view of a first digital camera and a second
digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the first and second digital cameras
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the first and second digital cameras
of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are front and rear plan views respectively of the
first and second digital cameras in a side-to-side linked
configuration in which one of the cameras is flipped according to
the present invention.
FIGS. 5a and 5b are front and rear plan views respectively of the
first and second digital cameras in a side-to-side linked
configuration according to the present invention.
FIGS. 6a and 6b are front and rear plan views respectively of the
first and second digital cameras in a bottom-to-bottom linked
configuration according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a first data port and a second data
port positioned on a bottom portion of the first and second digital
cameras according to the present invention.
FIGS. 8a and 8b are front and top plan views of the first and
second digital cameras illustrating the planar and parallel
relationship between a first optical axis and a second optical axis
according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a rear profile view and a side view of a data port
according to the present invention.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are rear profile views of a data port connector for
linking the the first and second digital cameras according to the
present invention.
FIGS. 12a and 12b are front plan views illustrating an adjustable
length data port connector for linking the first and second digital
cameras according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a rear profile view of linked first and second digital
cameras that include viewfinders according to the present
invention.
FIGS. 14a and 14b is a rear profile view of linked first and second
digital cameras that include movably mounted viewfinders according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description and in the several figures of
the drawings, like elements are identified with like reference
numerals.
As shown in the drawings for purpose of illustration, the present
invention is embodied in an image capture system that includes
first and second digital cameras that can be linked with each
other. The first digital camera including a first optical axis and
a first data port and the second digital camera including a second
optical axis and a second data port. When the cameras are linked,
the data ports on each camera can be in communication with each
other such that data can be intercommunicated between the first and
second digital cameras via the first and second data ports.
Additionally, when the cameras are linked, the optical axes of both
cameras are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are
positioned substantially coplanar and substantially parallel to
each other so that a stereo image of correct disparity can be
captured by capturing a first image with the first digital camera
and capturing a second image with the second digital camera. The
image from the second digital camera can be transferred to the
first digital camera or vise-versa via the data ports.
Additionally, camera functions on the first and second digital
cameras including shutter synchronization, flash synchronization,
synchronization of focus and/or zoom, to name a few, can be
controlled by either one or both of the digital cameras.
In FIGS. 1 through 3, a stereo image capture system 100 includes a
first digital camera 11 and a second digital camera 13. The first
digital camera 11 includes a first data port 15 and a first optical
axis 19. The second digital camera 13 includes a second data port
17 and a second optical axis 21. The first and second data ports
(15, 17) are adapted to intercommunicate data between the first and
second digital cameras (11, 13). The first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) are adapted to be linked with each other so that
the first optical axis 19 and the second optical axis 21 are
coplanar with each other and are parallel to each other as
illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b. For purposes of illustration, the
cross {character pullout}, indicates that the first and second
optical axis (19, 21) are into the drawing page. In FIG. 8a, the
first digital camera 11 is linked to the second digital camera 13
and the first and second optical axes (19, 21) are coplanar with
each other as illustrated by a dashed line P through the first and
second optical axes (19, 21). When the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) are linked, the first and second optical axes (19,
21) are also separated by a predetermined distance D. Moreover, the
first and second optical axes (19, 21) are parallel to each other
as illustrated by the dashed lines 19' and 21' through the first
and second optical axes (19, 21) respectively in FIG. 8b. Although
FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) being linked by connecting them along side portions of the
digital cameras (i.e. side-to-side), the manner in which the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13) can be linked with each other
is not limited to the arrangements illustrated herein. Preferably,
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked by
connecting them with each other in an arrangement that positions
the first and second optical axes (19, 21) in a coplanar and
parallel relationship with each other and spaces them apart by the
predetermined distance D as described above.
The first digital camera 11 is operative to capture a first image
and the second digital camera 13 is operative to capture a second
image. Consequently, when the first and second digital cameras (11,
13) are linked, a stereo image is captured by capturing the first
and second images. Typically, the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) will include a lens 23 and 25 respectively and the lenses
(23, 25) will have optical axes 27 and 29 respectively that are
coaxial with the first and second optical axes (19, 21). Because
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are designed to be
used as a normal digital camera when they are not linked (with each
other, the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) can include
features and functions common to a digital camera such as a slot
(41a and 41b) for inserting a memory card or a disk for data
storage, control buttons (43a, 43b, 45b, 47a, and 47b), a shutter
button (49a and 49b), and a flash (24a and 24b) (strobe
hereinafter).
The first and second digital cameras (11, 13) need only be
compatible with each other for the purpose of capturing stereo
images. Therefore, the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
can be identical digital camera models or they can be different
digital camera models. For instance, one of the digital cameras can
have more functions/features than the other digital camera.
However, the focal length (f) and the lens speed (f:) of the lenses
(23, 25) should be as identical as possible. Preferably, the focal
length (f) and the lens speed (f:) are identical for the lenses
(23, 25).
FIG. 3 illustrates that the second digital camera 13 can include
additional control buttons 45b that are not found on the first
digital camera 11. Additionally, the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) can include a display 40a and 40b that can be used
for displaying a first image 7 and a second image 9 (see FIG. 5b).
The displays (40a, 40b) can also display a graphical user interface
(GUI) for controlling some or all of the cameras functions using a
cursor (Ca, Cb) or the like to select various functions such as f1,
f2, f3, f4 on the display 40a (selectable by the cursor Ca) and f1,
f2, f3, f4, f5 on the display 40b (selectable by the cursor Cb)
that are displayed as graphical images (icons) on the displays
(40a, 40b). The GUI can also display menus (not shown) on the
displays (40a, 40b). For instance, the control buttons 47a and 47b
can be used to move their respective cursors (Ca, Cb) to a position
on the displays (40a, 40b) to make a selection of any one or more
of the aforementioned functions (f1, f2, f3, f4, f5). The cursor Ca
is positioned to select the function f4 and the cursor Cb is
positioned to select the function f1. A custom operating system
(OS) can be used to display icons for the GUI and to control the
first and second digital cameras (11, 13) as will be described
below.
In one embodiment of the present invention, data is
intercommunicated between the first and second data ports (15, 17)
when the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked with
each other. Once linked, the first data port 15 is in communication
with the second data port 17. If the communication is by electrical
signals, then the first data port 15 is in electrical communication
with the second data port 17 when the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) are linked. Electrical communication can be
effectuated using electrically conductive pins or the like as
illustrated by electrical connections 16 and 18 in FIGS. 9 and 10.
On the other hand, if the communication is by light signals, then
the first data port 15 is in optical communication with the second
data port 17 when the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are
linked. Preferably, the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
are designed so that when they are linked to each other, the first
data port 15 is positioned adjacent to the second data port 17 and
the first and second data ports (15, 17) are in facing relation to
each other. If the communication is by radio waves, then the first
and second data ports (15, 17) need not be adjacent to each other
or in facing relation to each other, although they can be.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 2, 4a, and 4b in which the first and
second data ports (15, 17) are on the same side of the first and
second digital cameras (11, 13) as illustrated in FIG. 2. In order
for the first and second data ports (15, 17) to be in communication
with each other, the second digital camera 13 is flipped from a
normal position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 to a linked
position (side-to-side) as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b. On the
other hand, the first digital camera 11 could be flipped from the
normal position to the linked position. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b and in other embodiments to be
described herein, the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are
designed so that when they are linked the first optical axis 19 and
the second optical axis 21 are substantially coplanar with each
other and are substantially parallel to each other as illustrated
in FIGS. 8a and 8b.
In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first and second data ports (15, 17) are on
opposite sides of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13).
For example, the first data port 15 can be on the left side (dashed
arrow L) of the first digital camera 11 and the second data port 17
can be on the right side (dashed arrow R) of the second digital
camera 13 or vice versa. However, that arrangement of the data
ports would require a user of the first digital camera 11 to find
another digital camera having its data port on the right side R.
Similarly, a person have the second digital camera 13 with the data
port on the right side R would require a digital camera with the
data port on the left side L. In either case, even though the above
arrangement allows for stereo image capture, it could be
inconvenient for many users.
Therefore, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first data port 15 of the first
digital camera 11 is replicated 15' at least once, and the second
data port 17 of the second digital camera 13 is also replicated 17'
at least once. For instance, the first and second data ports (15,
17) can be on the left side of the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) and the replicated data ports (15', 17') can be on the
right side of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) as
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, where data port 15' communicates
with data port 17. The positions of the data ports (15, 15', 17,
17') are not to be construed as being limited to the left and right
sides of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13). Other
positions are possible. For example, the data ports (15, 15', 17,
17') can be positioned on the tops and bottoms of their respective
digital cameras. The advantage to this embodiment of the present
invention is that it allows the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) to be linked without having to flip either digital camera
or having to find another camera with its data port on the correct
side for linking.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS.
6a, 6b, and 7, the first and second data ports (15, 17) are
positioned on a bottom portion of their respective first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) so that the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) can be linked along the bottoms of the cameras
(i.e. a bottom-to-bottom linking) as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and
6b. The first and second data ports (15, 17) can be replicated at
least once as described above. For example replicated ports 15' and
17' can be located on a top portion (not shown) of the first and
second digital cameras (11, 13) for a top-to-top linking.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 10 and 11 in which the system 100
includes a data port connector 30 for linking the first digital
camera 11 with the second digital camera 13 and for connecting the
first data port 15 with the second data port 17. The data port
connector 30 has a fixed length L.sub.c. The first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) can be linked with or without the data
port connector 30. Moreover, the data port connector 30 can be used
in situations in which it is desirable to increase the
predetermined distance D. Typically, for stereo image capture, the
predetermined distance D is about 55.0 millimeters. However,
depending on the physical dimensions of the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13), the predetermined distance D may be less
than 55.0 millimeters when the cameras are linked without the data
port connector 30. The data port connector 30 can be used to
increase the predetermined distance D to 55.0 millimeters. The data
port connector 30 can be manufactured in different lengths so that
the predetermined distance D can be increased by selecting the data
port connector 30 having a longer length L.sub.c.
On the other hand, for capturing close-up stereo images, for
example, the predetermined distance D can be decreased by selecting
the data port connector 30 having a shorter length L.sub.c or by
removing the data port connector 30 to reduce the predetermined
distance D to less than 55.0 millimeters. For example, a separation
of about 18.0 millimeters to about 36.0 millimeters for the
predetermined distance D can be used for close-up stereo image
capture. Therefore, the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
when linked without the data port connector 30 may have dimensions
that are suited for close-up stereo image capture.
The data port connector 30 can include electrical conductors 31 for
electrically communicating data from the electrical connections 16
on data port 15' to the electrical connections 18 of the data port
17 as illustrated in FIG. 10. However, if the intercommunication of
data is by wireless means such as visible or infrared light, then
the data port connector 30 can have a hollow inner portion that
allows the wireless data (light or radio) to pass from the data
port 15' to the data port 17 as illustrated in FIG. 11. An optical
system (not shown) can be included in the data port connector to
focus or channel light between the data ports (15', 17).
In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 12a and 12b, a data port connector 33 having an adjustable
length is used for connecting the first digital camera 11 with the
second digital camera 13 and for connecting the first data port 15
with the second data port 17. The data port connector 33 can have a
first segment 35 that connects with the data port 15 of the first
digital camera 11 and a second segment 37 that connects with the
data port 17 of the second digital camera 13. For instance, the
data port connector 33 can be twisted 39 to cause the first and
second segments (35, 37) to telescope inward or outward such that a
first length L.sub.V1 can be increased to a second length L.sub.V2
or vice-versa. Accordingly, the predetermined distance D is
increased to D.sub.1. Therefore, one possible use for the data port
connector 33 is to vary the predetermined distance D according to a
user needs. For example, the data port connector 33 can be used to
set the predetermined distance D to about 55.0 millimeters for
normal stereo image capture and then the data port connector 33 can
be adjusted to decrease the predetermined distance D for close-up
or macro stereo image capture. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the data port connector 33 adjusts the predetermined
distance D in a range from about 18.0 millimeters to about 80.0
millimeters.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the data is
electrically intercommunicated between the first and second data
ports (15, 17) using a communication protocol. The communication
protocol can be a custom or a proprietary protocol developed
specifically for use by the stereo image capture system 100.
Preferably, the communication protocol is based on a well accepted
communication protocol for the following reasons. First, when the
digital cameras are not linked, the protocol allows for easy data
transfer between the camera and peripherals that can interface with
the camera, such as printers and personal computers (PC). Second,
there is an established hardware, software, device driver, and
skill base for the protocol that can be leveraged for use in the
stereo image capture system 100. Finally, most digital cameras
include a data port that communicates data using a well accepted
communications protocol that consumers are accustomed to working
with and digital camera designers are familiar with.
The communication protocol can be a JETSEND.TM. protocol, an IEEE
1394 protocol, a FIREWIR.TM. protocol, an USB protocol, a RS-232
protocol, or a RS422 protocol. The choice of protocol will be
application specific and can be determined by factors that include
but are not limited to implementation costs, the desired speed of
data transfer, ease of use, cable requirements such as cable type
and length, and the variety and types of peripherals to be
interfaced with.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and
second data ports (15, 17) are in wireless intercommunication with
each other when the first and second digital cameras are linked.
The wireless intercommunication can be an optical
intercommunication or a radio intercommunication. For optical
intercommunication, the first and second data ports (15, 17) can
include a transceiver that transmits and receives light in the
visible or the infrared spectrum. Preferably the infrared spectrum
is used to communicate the data. A communication protocol such as
the IRDA.TM. communication protocol or the JETSEND.TM.
communication protocol can be used to intercommunicate the data.
The above mentioned transceiver can be an IRDA compliant infrared
transceiver. For example, an AGILENT.TM. Technologies IRDA
compliant transceiver such as a HDSL-3202 can be used for the first
and second data ports (15, 17).
For radio intercommunication, the first and second data ports (15,
17) can include a radio transceiver that transmits and receives
radio waves. The portion of the radio spectrum allocated for use in
handheld and consumer appliances can be used for the radio
transceiver. For instance the 900 MHz band or the GHz band can be
used. A communication protocol including the BLUETOOTH.TM.
communication protocol can be used to intercommunicate the data.
Depending on the radiation pattern of an antenna used to transmit
and receive the data, it may not be necessary for the first and
second data ports (15, 17) to be connected with one another or be
adjacent to and in facing opposition to each other when the data is
communicated using radio waves so long as the radio signal from one
of the data ports can be received by the other data port.
Advantages to wireless communication include the elimination of
cables, connectors, and the like, to interface the first and second
data ports (15, 17) with each other or with peripheral equipment
such as printers and PC's. Additionally, the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) can be remotely controlled using the
wireless resources in the first and second data ports (15, 17). For
instance an infrared or radio based remote control can be used to
control either one or both of the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13). For optical intercommunication, it may be necessary to
have at least one replicated port in order for the remote control
to have access to a data port (i.e. access to an unblocked data
port).
In another embodiment of the present invention, either one or both
of the first and second data ports (15, 17) is adapted to receive
extrinsic data transmitted from a source external to either one of
the first and second digital cameras. The external source can
transmit optically or by radio wave. The extrinsic data is used by
either one or both of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
to control one or more functions of the cameras such a exposure
control, flash, and shutter speed just to name a few. In one
embodiment, the extrinsic data comprises illumination data. For
instance, a user of the system 100 enters a venue such as a theme
park, a museum or a national park, then illumination information
specific to that venue is beamed to the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) via the first and second data ports (15, 17). The
first and second digital cameras (11, 13) may or may not be linked
when the extrinsic data is beamed to them. The illumination
information can be used for exposure control to improve images
captured at the venue or to correct the images taken at the venue
by post processing the image using the illumination information to
improve/correct the captured image. PC software for manipulating
digital images can be used to post process the captured images
based on the illumination information. Although the electrical
communication protocols described above could also be used to
receive the illumination information, the user would need to use a
cable to interface the system 100 with the extrinsic source of
data. Consequently, in a crowded or busy venue, the time required
to fetch the cable, connect the cable, download the illumination
information, and then disconnect the cable may prove to be to time
consuming. Therefore, wireless communication provides the most
efficient way to covey the illumination information to the system
100.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
13, the system 100 further includes a first view finder 51a mounted
on the first digital camera 11 and second view finder 51b mounted
to the second digital camera 13. The first and second view finders
(51a, 51b) are spaced apart by an interpupillary separation S (also
called an interpupillary distance) when the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) are linked with each other. The first and
second view finders (51a, 51b) are adapted to form a visual stereo
image that is a representation of the stereo image captured by the
first and second digital cameras (11, 13). The first and second
view finders (51a, 51b) can be an optical view finder that uses its
own optical system to form an image in the eyes of a user, a
through the lens (TTL) view finder that uses the lenses (23, 25) to
form an image in the users eyes, or a micro-display viewfinder in
which a micro-display provides an image captured by its respective
digital camera and that image is formed on the users eyes using
optics. In a typical digital camera, an image sensor such as a
charged coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS image sensor is used to
capture an image incident on the image sensor and to provide a
signal or data stream that is indicative of the image. That signal
or data stream can be processed and then displayed on the
micro-display viewfinder.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first and
second view finders (51a, 51b) are movably mounted on the first and
second digital cameras (11, 13) as illustrated in FIGS. 14a and
14b. The first and second view finders (51a, 51b) an be moved
inward I or outward O as shown by the arrows in FIG. 14a. The
movably mounted viewfinders allow for adjustments to the
interpupillary separation S to match user specific variations in
eye spacing. For instance, in FIG. 14a, the first and second view
finders (51a, 51b) can be moved outward O so that an interpupillary
separation S.sub.1 is increased to an interpupillary separation
S.sub.2. Conversely, for a user with a smaller eye spacing, the
first and second view finders (51a, 51b) can be moved inward I to
decreased to the interpupillary separation from S.sub.2 to
S.sub.1.
The displays 40a and 40b can also be used to view a stereo image.
The predetermined distance D can be adjusted so that the displays
40a and 40b yield a stereo image of correct disparity when viewed
from a normal viewing distance. Adjusting the predetermined
distance D has the same effect as changing the interpupillary
separation S as described above; however, in this case an
interpupillary separation S.sub.D is the distance between the
displays 40a and 40b (see FIG. 4b) as measured from the centers of
the displays 40a and 40b as indicated by the {character pullout} (a
reference point other than the centers of the displays 40a and 40b
can be selected to measure the interpupillary separation SD). The
data port connector 30 or the adjustable length data port connector
33 can be used to adjust the predetermined distance D and thereby
adjust the interpupillary separation S.sub.D. Because
interpupillary separation can vary due to race, gender, and age,
the interpupillary separation S.sub.D can be within a range from
about 18.0 millimeters to about 80.0 millimeters. A nominal value
for interpupillary separation S.sub.D is 65.0 millimeters. It is
commonly misunderstood that adjusting the interpupillary separation
S.sub.D is the only way to adapt the displays 40a and 40b to
different user eye spacings. Because the displays 40a and 40b will
most likely be an LCD display or the like, the size of the displays
40a and 40b can inherently allow for a wide variation in eye
spacing that will still allow for stereo image viewing. Therefore,
the interpupillary separation S.sub.D can be varied and/or the size
of the 40a and 40b can be large enough to accommodate a wide
variation in eye spacing. More information about interpupillary
separation can be found in "The World of 3-D" Second Edition, 1987,
by Jac. G. Ferwerda, 3-D Book Productions.
When the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked with
each other it may be desirable for a user of the system 100 to
control some or all of the functions of the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) from either one of the cameras. It may
also be desirable for the image captured by a digital camera
borrowed by the users to be transferred to the users camera after
the first and second images have been captured. Accordingly, in one
embodiment of the present invention, either one of the first and
second digital cameras (11, 13) is selectable to be a master
camera. The other one of the first and second digital cameras (11,
13) is a slave camera and after the first and second images have
been captured, the image captured by the slave camera is
intercommunicated (transferred) to the master camera. As a result,
both the first and second digital images reside in the master
camera (i.e. the users camera). Any one of the control buttons or
functions displayed by the GUI (see FIG. 3) can be used to select
the master camera. For instance in FIG. 5b, when the first and
second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked with each other, a user
could select the second digital camera 13 to be the master camera
by pressing the control button 47b. For a left-handed user,
selecting the second digital camera 13 to be the master camera
would be a logical choice. On the other hand, pressing the control
button 47a on the first digital camera 11 would select the first
digital camera 11 to be the master camera. Selecting the first
digital camera 11 to be the master camera might be preferable for a
right-handed user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, once the user has
selected the master camera, some or all of the functions on the
master camera that are duplicated on the slave camera can be
controlled from the master camera (i.e. an identical function on
the slave camera is controlled by the master camera). For example,
in order to capture the first and second images, the shutter
buttons of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) must be
pressed. Preferably, the shutter buttons are pressed nearly
simultaneously; however, it would be difficult for the user to
press both shutter buttons nearly simultaneously. Therefore,
pressing the shutter button on the master camera would control
activation of the shutter on the slave camera. Other camera
functions including flash synchronization, focus, and zoom, to name
a few, could also be controlled by the master camera.
Referring again to FIG. 5b, if the second digital camera 13 is
selected to be the master camera, then the first and second images
can be captured by pressing the shutter button 49b on the second
digital camera 13. Moreover, the proper illumination of a scene to
be captured may require the use of either one or both of the
strobes (24a and 24b of FIG. 1). The master camera can determine if
one or both of the strobes should be fired and synchronize the
firing of the strobes (24a and 24b). Additionally, the button 47b
can be a zoom control button. When the cameras are linked and the
second digital camera 13 is designated as the master camera, using
the zoom control button 47b can cause the lens 23 on the first
digital camera 11 to zoom in or zoom out in synchronization with
the lens 25 on the second digital camera 13. Moreover, additional
functions that can be controlled by the master camera include light
metering, image/file transfer, setting of date and time
information, receiving extrinsic data as described above, just to
name a few.
An operating system (OS) specifically designed for use in digital
cameras can be used to control the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) when they are linked or unlinked. The OS can be customized
to support the digital camera functions described herein. For
instance, the DIGITA.TM. OS by FlashPoint Technology Inc., can be
customized to perform the above mentioned controls and
functions.
Moreover, the electrical and wireless intercommunication of the
data between the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) and/or a
peripheral can also be driven by the OS. Finally, the GUI can also
be a customized product such as the DIGITA.TM. OE by FlashPoint
Technology Inc. The GUI will allow a user of the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) to control either one or both of the
cameras using a straight forward and intuitive interface that
includes the activation of buttons, selection of the master camera,
and the selection of camera functions via icons/menus on the
displays 40a and 40b. A designer of the system 100 can use a
programming language or a software developer kit such as the
DigitaScript or the Digita Application Software Developer Kit (SDK)
(both by FlashPoint Technology Inc.) to create customized
applications for the OS and the GUI.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been
disclosed and illustrated, the invention is not limited to the
specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and
illustrated. The invention is only limited by the claims.
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